How to Identify and Manage Food Allergies in Dogs

Is your pup showing signs of allergies or discomfort? You may want to consider taking them to the vet to check if it's food allergies! Food allergies in dogs are common and can cause them discomfort and other health issues. The symptoms vary but can be identified with tests from your vet. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can ensure your canine friend a happy and healthy life. Keep reading to learn more about food allergies in dogs, how to diagnose them, and get some advice on how to manage them.

What are Dog Food Allergies?

Food allergies in dogs occur when their immune system mistakenly identifies certain ingredients as harmful and reacts by causing inflammation. The most common allergens for canines include beef, dairy products, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soybeans, pork, rabbit, and fish. Symptoms of food allergies usually appear within a few minutes after eating, but can also take up to two days before appearing. These symptoms can include vomiting or diarrhea; itching or scratching; redness around the eyes or mouth; excessive drooling; paw biting; hives; and/or sneezing.  While not all of these symptoms may present themselves at once, it is important to be aware of any changes in your pet’s behavior or physical appearance that could indicate an allergy.

The Signs of a Food Allergy in Dogs

It can be tough to tell the difference between a food allergy and other health problems. Vomiting, diarrhea, and rashes are all common symptoms of both conditions. However, if your pup is exhibiting any of these signs after eating a certain type of food, chances are there’s an allergy involved. Other signs include excessive scratching or licking at their fur, red or irritated skin around the face or feet, swollen eyes or paws, and hair loss. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms and you suspect it could be due to a food allergy, ask your veterinarians at Zoomies Pet Care for advice.

Diagnosing Dog Food Allergies

If you’re concerned that your dog may have a food allergy, it is important to speak to your veterinarian about it. A vet will be able to diagnose an allergy through either a blood test or skin test, which checks for antibodies present in response to certain proteins found in food items. Alternatively, an elimination diet may be recommended where items suspected of being allergens are taken out from the canine’s diet one by one until the source of the problem is identified. This type of diet should only be done under guidance from a professional veterinarian, as too much dietary change can lead to further health complications such as malnutrition if done incorrectly. Once the cause of the allergy has been identified, then steps can be taken towards avoiding ingredients known to cause reactions while still providing all necessary nutrients needed by your pup for a healthy life.

Treating Dog Food Allergies

Once diagnosed with a food allergy, the goal is to identify what types of food are causing trouble for your pup so that you can eliminate them from their diet permanently. This could involve switching up their kibble or transitioning them to wet dog food—or finding more creative solutions like homemade meals tailored just for them.

Once the offending foods have been identified and removed from their daily feeding routine (preferably with help from a pet nutritionist) most symptoms should improve over time. It may even be necessary to give prescription medications, depending on how severe the allergic reaction was—but don’t worry; this is all stuff that you veterinarians at Zoomies Pet Care in Griffin, GA can discuss with you.

It is always vital to pay close attention to your pet’s health so you can ensure they are living their best and healthiest life possible. If you suspect your dog may have developed a food allergy, speak with your veterinarians at Zoomies Pet Care, who will provide personalized advice tailored towards giving them relief from uncomfortable symptoms while still maintaining proper nutrition levels. With just a bit of extra care and some delicious new foods suited just for them, your furry baby will soon feel right as rain again! 

‍